Response to the Imo Police Command

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has formally responded to the Imo State Police Command's press release issued on August 4, 2026. In the release, Commissioner of Police CP Audu Garba Bosso reaffirmed a commitment to professionalism, discipline, and intelligence-led policing. While RULAAC acknowledged these assurances, the organization noted that they follow a series of disturbing incidents that had been previously flagged through public statements and petitions.

RULAAC emphasized that these concerns are not new, having been brought to the Command’s attention through documented reports and direct engagements over the past two years. The advocacy group suggests that the current stance of the police leadership is a necessary but delayed response to systemic issues within the force.

A History of Early Warnings

Concerns regarding police conduct in Imo State were notably raised as early as 2024 during the First Imo Youth and Women Dialogue on Insecurity and Crime Prevention. At that event, which was co-sponsored by RULAAC and the Police Command itself, student leaders lamented the persistent harassment of students on campuses. Comrade Obi Okechukwu Anthony, the National President of the National Association of Imo State Students (NAISS), had specifically urged the police to engage students as partners in safety rather than targets of intimidation.

Following those early warnings, RULAAC continued to issue public alerts regarding the treatment of young people. One such report, titled "Young People Are Not Walking ATMs," documented persistent allegations of extortion, arbitrary arrests, and harassment. RULAAC maintains that had the Command acted decisively on these warnings at the time, many of the recent violations that have caused public outcry could have been prevented.

The Need for Proactive Accountability

The advocacy group argues that true intelligence-led policing involves identifying internal patterns of misconduct and acting on credible complaints before they escalate into public scandals. RULAAC is now calling for the Commissioner of Police to translate verbal commitments into concrete institutional reforms. This includes strengthening internal accountability mechanisms and ensuring that erring officers face appropriate sanctions.

To restore public confidence, RULAAC recommends that the Command institutionalize regular engagements with civil society organizations, youth groups, and student bodies. The organization stressed that accountability must be transparent and measurable, ensuring that misconduct is detected early and addressed without favor. RULAAC remains committed to working with the Nigeria Police Force to advance rights-respecting and community-oriented policing in Imo State.